A Taste of Home

Born and raised in the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand, I spent countless hours in quaint cafés, with my gaze often fixated on the delectable treats behind pastry cabinets. My mother and sister were my café companions, while my father, bless his heart, warily watched me turn our kitchen into a floury wonderland. Despite his concerns over the mess, I managed to whip up muffins and cookies that hinted at the baking fervor waiting to be unleashed.

Culinary Beginnings

At 15, I got my first taste of the restaurant scene, which would intermittently become my world for the next dozen years. Those early days, filled with the chaos and camaraderie of the kitchen, were interspersed with my studies at university back in New Zealand. When I made the leap to Los Angeles in 2015, my relationship with the industry rekindled. I immersed myself once again, this time in the vibrant food culture of Santa Monica, where I spent several years learning and refining the craft. These experiences weren’t just jobs; they were a patchwork of learning, instilling in me skills and insights I treasure to this day.

Passionate Pursuit

My true baking odyssey began in 2020 when I decided to delve deeper into the craft. Being a Kiwi transplant, I longed for the familiar comfort of New Zealand’s corner bakery treats. This longing kindled a spark to recreate those cherished flavors, all while adding my unique twist. But my culinary creativity isn’t just rooted in nostalgia; it’s also fueled by my travels. Exploring new places has become a source of inspiration, with each journey bringing a plethora of styles, baking techniques, and flavor combinations to experiment with. I bring these global inspirations into my kitchen, infusing my creations with a touch of the places I’ve been and the cultures I’ve embraced.

Small Batches, Big Flavor

Life in LA comes with its quirks – my household shrunk, and I faced a baker’s dilemma: too much baking for one or the heartbreak of wasted pastries. Neither sat well with me. Thus, Good Day To Bake was born, a haven for small-batch baking recipes that cater perfectly to singles, couples, or small families. Yet, fear not, for those of you entertaining a crowd, doubling up the recipes will spread the joy without a hitch!

Join me as I blend a dash of Kiwi tradition with a sprinkle of LA innovation, all in the pursuit of baking bliss. Whether you’re here for a slice of nostalgia or a taste of something new, I’m thrilled to have you on this journey.

Happy Baking,

Courteney <3